Those of us journeymen speakers who have spent countless years plying our trade on platforms across the vineyards of the world are truly blessed. We have met some wonderful audiences and even more honored to share lifetime relationships with the gifted orators of our generation who share those stages. My dear friend W. Mitchell, CSP, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame was in Orlando recently, carpet bagging engagements from the local talent. We did what we[…]

Donald Trump will likely propose reversals on many items in the bill that Congress agreed to in order to keep the government operating for the rest of this fiscal year. He will likely still propose deep cuts or elimination of federal arts funding but they are safe for this financial year. Democrats have saved arts funding under threat from Donald Trump, including money for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR). Both[…]

By Jordain Carney The Hill Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is signaling that the Senate will not quickly pass legislation to reform the nation’s healthcare system after a bill cleared the House last week. “This process will not be quick or simple or easy, but it must be done,” McConnell said on Monday. He added that “to those who have suffered enough already my message is this: We hear you, and Congress is acting.”[…]

Erin Lee Truman selected to serve as Hearing Master over Alternative Dispute Program that saves time and money After a thorough three-tiered recruitment process that included public input, Erin Lee Truman was selected to fill the hearing master post for the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program. Hearing Master Truman has been practicing law in Las Vegas since 1992. She most recently worked with the law firm of Hutchison & Steffen as head of the firm’s[…]

A law without enforcement is not a law. Just as Obama essentially repealed the nation’s immigration laws by refusing to enforce them, Trump’s executive order telling the IRS to not enforce the congressionally passed Johnson Amendment — limiting the political speech of churches that receive tax exemptions — usurps the power of Congress. It seems to be the right thing to do, but the wrong way to do it. Congress could repeal it or the[…]

By Brandon Carter The Hill Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed a controversial bill into law on Sunday that bans sanctuary cities and allows police officers to ask the immigration status of every individual they detain. “Citizens expect law enforcement officers to enforce the law, and citizens deserve law breakers to face legal consequences,” Abbot said before signing the law. “Texans expect us to keep them safe, and that is exactly what we are going[…]

By Max Greenwood The Hill The Interior Department is reviewing the protected status of 27 national monuments after President Trump signed an executive order saying the designations amounted to an overreach of federal authority. While no decisions have been made about the monuments yet, the process could potentially alter the protections granted by Trump’s three predecessors. Ahead of signing his executive order last month, Trump said the designations imposed under former Presidents Barack Obama, George[…]